" I read a lot of F. Scott Fitzgerald. I love ‘Tender is the Night,’ and its atmosphere of doomed romance. He was one of the greatest prose stylists, with a wonderfully clear but lyrical quality. "
- David Nicholls

In the statement under discussion, David Nicholls expresses his admiration for F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary work, particularly highlighting "Tender Is the Night." He appreciates the novel's portrayal of a tragic romance and acknowledges Fitzgerald as a masterful writer with a unique prose style that is both clear and lyrical.

Beyond its surface meaning, this quote also speaks to the profound impact literature can have on individuals. Nicholls’s choice to mention Fitzgerald specifically underscores the enduring influence and emotional resonance of great novels like "Tender Is the Night." By describing Fitzgerald's writing as having a "wonderfully clear but lyrical quality," Nicholls reflects on how skilled authors are able to convey complex emotions and ideas with simplicity while still achieving poetic beauty. This quote also hints at the interconnectedness between life experiences and literary preferences, suggesting that certain works resonate deeply because they mirror or amplify one's own feelings about love and loss.

David Nicholls is an acclaimed British author known for his novels such as "One Day" and "Us." His background in both writing and appreciating literature makes him a credible voice when commenting on the work of other celebrated authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, whose influence he recognizes through his statement.